Learn cage fighting basics. Within four hours these instructors will have you on your way to understanding and training for cage fighting. From beginners to fighters, this instructional seminar will help you with basics and beyond. Bring to the seminar all the gear that you have. Some gear will be available for purchase. Come early if you plan to purchase gear, because it sells out fast. Participants are asked to wear soft pants or shorts with a drawstring. Cold water will also be available for sale, and a snack break is scheduled during the seminar. The seminar is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26, at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. The cost is $30 per person. Preregister by calling the Art of Defense at 970-984-2109.

Next Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, is Grand Valley Days 2008. Begin your weekend by enjoying the Friday night rodeo, which will begin at 7 p.m. The rodeo grounds are located just behind the baseball fields in Cottonwood Park, which is behind River Manor Apartments in Parachute.

The next morning, start your day with a pancake breakfast at the Grand Valley United Methodist Church, 132 North Parachute Ave. in Parachute. The breakfast is scheduled from 7-9:30 a.m. Then find a shady place on Second Street because the parade begins at 10 a.m. Please call Carol McClung at 970-589-2813, if you are interested in participating in the parade. During the parade and immediately after, the Methodist Church will be having a bake sale with all kinds of homemade goodies for sale. The Friends of the Parachute Library will hold an outdoor Book Bash right next to the bake sale. Loads of books (some free) for adults and children will be available at bargain prices. The usual street sports and games will follow the parade.

Don’t forget to head on up to the Morrisania Community House for the pie social.

Enjoy the homemade pies from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and help out the worthy cause of the support of the Community House.

The Grand Valley Pub & Grill Poker Ride is back this year, and it begins at 8 a.m. Saturday. Call 285-9616 for details and reservations.

After a little rest, head back down for the Saturday evening rodeo, which will begin at 7 p.m. The evening will conclude with a street dance at Cottonwood Park. This year, “The Missing Link” will provide the music.

Don’t forget to get your raffle tickets — $2,000 is available in cash or prizes. Purchase tickets at Alpine Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Old Mountain Gifts, and the Hideout.

The Rifle Area Chamber of Commerce has asked me to mention that the Garfield County Fair Parade will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, in Rifle. Everyone is invited to participate in this county-wide event. Call the chamber office at 625-2085, ext. 2 for more information.

Mary Moore’s column, “Grand Valley News” appears every other Thursday in the Glenwood Springs Post Independent. To contact Mary with a news tip, e-mail her at beatlesfan_309@comcast.net (please note there is an underscore between the n and 3).